Dallas Cowboys NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

McCoy missed all of last season after suffering an ACL tear, so his draft slotting could come down to how teams assess his medical evaluation. If he's healthy, McCoy might be the best cover corner available.

The Cowboys seem to never take a true safety in the first round (SEE: Roy Williams in 2002). Could this year be different? Longtime starter Donovan Wilson is headed for free agency.

As the picks were coming off the board, the Cowboys appeared to have a good chance at Sonny Styles or Mansoor Delane. There had been conversations with the Pittsburgh Steelers about trading back to 21. With Styles and Delane going right before Dallas, trade talks heated up. But the Steelers' best offer was No. 21, No. 76 (third round) and No. 159 (fifth round). The Cowboys needed both of Pittsburgh's third-round picks or, at the very least, a third and a fourth. With that deal off the table, the Cowboys went with the best player available at a position of need. There are some concerns about McCoy missing all of last season with a torn ACL. But if everything checks out medically, McCoy should start immediately, likely alongside DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel. On paper, that would be an upgraded secondary for first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

There was a lot to consider at this pick, including a possible trade back with the Philadelphia Eagles at 23 that fell through after the Panthers' pick. Dallas' options were then one of the best remaining pass rushers (Keldric Faulk, Cashius Howell, T.J. Parker or Zion Young), a top safety (Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren) or a top off-ball linebacker. The Cowboys' linebacker play was probably the worst in the league last year. Allen would instantly upgrade the group as their starting middle linebacker, potentially forming a great duo if DeMarvion Overshown can stay healthy.

That's four Ohio State players in the top 12, and the third member of the Buckeyes defense. Sonny Styles didn't receive the same kind of attention as Caleb Downs or Arvell Reese, but he's another versatile chess piece who began his college career at safety before moving to linebacker.

With two first-round picks, I wouldn't be shocked if the Cowboys trade up into the top 10 for somebody on draft day, but in this mock, I have them sitting pat and using both picks. After getting Sonny Styles with their first, they address the pass rush with their second.

The Cowboys must fix their pass rush and secondary. I believe there's a drop-off at cornerback after McCoy, so they address the position here.

After taking a CB at No. 12, the Cowboys nab an edge rusher. Teams might have to get comfortable with Mesidor's age -- he will be a 25-year-old rookie -- but he was dominant during Miami's run in the College Football Playoff. Then again, if the Chiefs would take this pick in a trade for Trent McDuffie (entering the final year of his rookie deal), the Cowboys would solve their secondary issues in the blink of an eye.

Dallas' offseason should be filled with defensive reinforcements, as the roster was imbalanced in 2025. Styles, who started as a safety at Ohio State, fits the mold of a modern NFL linebacker with his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to drop into coverage. He showed plenty of blitzing prowess in 2024 with six sacks, blending timing and instincts with his length and easy acceleration.

There are few 2026 prospects with as much versatility as Styles, who played under longtime NFL defensive coordinator Matt Patricia this past season. New Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker would love to have Styles as a building block in his scheme. After all, Dallas allowed 6.1 yards per play last season, second worst in the NFL behind the Bengals.

Let's keep the Cowboys' defensive theme going with Faulk, who could help bolster a pass rush that tied for 22nd in total sacks this past season. Faulk was in the conversation as a top-10 prospect after seven sacks in 2024, but he had just two in 2025. This pick would be a calculated bet on his upside at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds with smooth movement skills, stout hands to set the edge in the running game and overall growth potential. Faulk is among the youngest players in the draft, as he won't turn 21 until Sept. 7.

Dallas has an opportunity to really upgrade its defense here for new coordinator Christian Parker, and can shore up what has the potential to be a top front seven with the addition of Styles. He's a fast, physical linebacker who has all the talent in the world to be an ace starter in short order in the NFL.

After spending their first pick on Sonny Styles, the Cowboys can add another piece here with Cisse. They desperately need help at cornerback, especially after cutting long-time starter Trevon Diggs, and new defensive coordinator Christian Parker cut his teeth in part by coaching the Eagles' secondary into becoming one of the best in the league.

The Cowboys were a disaster on defense, if only they could've had one of the league's best pass rushers. Oh well, they have to live with that mistake. But they can address their defensive needs by getting the player who I feel is the safest pick waiting to happen. Caleb Downs is an All-Pro waiting in the wings. He's the smartest defender I've ever covered in college football. He can do everything. We called him the Swiss Army Knife because of that. He is incredible over the middle of the field. He can rush the passer. He's excellent in the run fit. He's tremendous in the slot.

Downs should get picked higher than this, but the positional value might hurt him a bit.

The Cowboys could afford to double up on defense with their two first-round picks. The trade of Micah Parsons left a sizable hole in terms of pass rush. Faulk is versatile and explosive, so I think he could get the job done. These two picks might turn Dallas' defense around.